The purported division has brought to the fore a clash of interests within the party, culminating in accusations targeting the provincial chairperson Godwills Masimirembwa for his alleged role in obstructing Sakupwanya's campaign efforts.

Sakupwanya, a prominent ally of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, stands for the Mabvuku-Tafara National Assembly seat for the second time, pitted against CCC's Munyaradzi Kufahakutizwi, who initially claimed victory in the August harmonized elections but was subsequently recalled in October, necessitating the upcoming by-election.

Reports suggest that the candidature of Sakupwanya has evidently polarized ZANU PF's Harare structures, with mounting accusations directed at the Masimirembwa-led executive for impeding influential party members from actively supporting Sakupwanya's campaign. Allegations of preferential treatment and selective campaign participation have escalated, indicating a fracture within the provincial leadership.

Intra-Party Tensions Escalate: Pedzai Sakupwanya's Candidature Sparks Division within ZANU PF Ranks

Amid this tumult, an audio clip leaked to NewsDay has exposed the deep-seated divisions within ZANU PF, highlighting significant discontent and criticism of Masimirembwa's purported actions. In the clip, an individual identified as comrade Nyokai Mabhunu vehemently denounces Masimirembwa, accusing him of orchestrating strategic hindrances against Sakupwanya's electoral pursuits while expressing a resounding call for reform within the Harare province.

Efforts to obtain a response from Masimirembwa regarding these allegations were unfruitful, despite his recent public commitment to leveraging his influence to secure a victory for Sakupwanya. His silence has left lingering questions regarding the veracity of the accusations and the party's internal dynamics, amplifying the gravity of the situation.

Speaking on behalf of ZANU PF, Director of Information Farai Marapira emphasized the need for unity within the party, underscoring the foundational ethos of the revolutionary party while expressing ignorance about the leaked audio. Marapira's remarks, when juxtaposed with the prevailing tensions, highlight the broader impacts of the internal discord on the collective fabric of the party and its guiding principles.

The upcoming by-election in Mabvuku-Tafara unfolds against a backdrop of historical electoral outcomes, with Kufahakutizwi having previously secured 15,934 votes compared to Sakupwanya's 12,038 votes in the August general elections. As the electoral landscape evolves, the burgeoning internal schisms underscore the complex realities and intricate power dynamics at play within ZANU PF's political ecosystem, embodying the broader contestations that shape the future trajectory of the party and its electoral fortunes.